Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Sandy/Light or Chalky/AlkalineSoil Moisture: Dry, well drained or Moist, but well drained

A useful geranium that will thrive even in damp or dry shade. This has small deep purple-black flowers in late spring to early summer held high above the soft-green deeply lobed leaves which have distinctive purple blotches around the centre. It will quickly spread to form a hummock of foliage that is excellent for suppressing weeds. Use it in woodland among ferns at the edge of a border where the dark flowers can be seen or under deciduous trees. One of this plant's common names 'mourning widow' is inspired by the intense dark colour of the flowers.

Garden care: In midsummer rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by removing old flowered stems and leaves. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.